Gloucester: A High-Growth Hub for Aerospace Manufacturing

WEAF, the premier supply chain organisation supporting aerospace, defence, and advanced manufacturing across the South West, is championing Gloucestershire’s role as a leading innovation hub. 

This comes at a crucial time as the UK’s Defence Industrial Strategy has officially recognised the area as a “High-Growth-Potential Industry Cluster”. This is testament to the area’s rich history in aerospace technology and infrastructure alongside established educational institutions. 

WEAF recently hosted its Cheltenham and Gloucester Cluster Meeting at the Safran Landing Systems facility in Gloucester. Members from across the South West supply chain, representing advanced manufacturing to aerospace engineering, were given an exclusive look at Safran’s world-class operations. 

For over 85 years, this site has been at the forefront of landing gear technology, and today it’s a global leader in developing advanced landing gear for modern aircraft. The Safran team, including the next generation of engineers and apprentices, demonstrated the Group’s commitment to technological innovation, safety and sustainability.   

Attendees had the opportunity to view Safran’s new engineering and support centre, a carbon-neutral facility with solar panels and recycled heat capabilities. The facility supports the design and development of next generation landing gear systems.  

Alex Ball, Managing Director of Safran Landing Systems in Gloucester, said, “I am delighted to welcome WEAF for the first time to our Gloucester site today. The opportunity to meet members and show them around our multi-functional facility allows great knowledge exchange, experience sharing and a deepened understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented to the aerospace manufacturing sector, particularly in the West of England. I hope this will be the first of many opportunities for Safran Landing Systems to participate in and host WEAF events.” 

Safran is a key industry player in the South West and supports the wider supply chain. The cluster event has showcased further the vital role the Cheltenham and Gloucester area plays in strengthening the South West, as an established area of manufacturing excellence and a vital contributor to economic growth for the region and the UK.